Occurrence and Risk Factors for Cognitive Decline Shared by Couples: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Background: To date, the magnitude of association and the quality of evidence for cognitive decline (mild cognitive impairment, Alzheimer's disease, and dementia) in couples and risk factors for outcomes have not been reviewed and analyzed systematically. Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the concordance of cognitive impairment in unrelated spouses and to qualitatively describe potential risk factors. Methods: Eight databases were searched from inception to October 20, 2023. Eligible studies were independently screened and assessed for quality. Statistical analysis was conducted using Stata 15.1 software. The study was preregistered with PROSPERO (CRD42023488024). Results: Eleven studies involving couples were included, with moderate to high evidence quality. Compared to controls, spouses of individuals with cognitive impairment had lower cognitive scores (Cohen's d: 0.18-0.62) and higher risk of cognitive decline (OR = 1.42, 95% CI: 1.15-1.76). The consistency of cognitive impairment between spouses was attributed to three theories: 1) the impact of caregiving stress experienced by the spouse; 2) assortative mating, which suggests that individuals select partners with similar characteristics; and 3) the influence of shared living environments and lifestyles. Conclusions: The cognitive status of one spouse can affect the cognitive function of the other spouse. It is important to consider shared lifestyle, environmental, and psychobehavioral factors, as they may contribute to the risk of cognitive decline by couples. Identifying these factors can inform the development of targeted recommendations for interventions and preventive measures.

Mediterranean diet related to 3-year incidence of cognitive decline: results from a cohort study in Chinese rural elders.

OBJECTIVE: This study aims to examine the effect of the Mediterranean diet (MeDi) on cognitive decline among the Chinese elderly with a 3-year follow-up. METHODS: This study is divided into two waves: wave-1 January 2019 to June 2019 (n = 2313); wave-2 January 2022 to March 2022 (n = 1648). MeDi scores were calculated from the Mediterranean Diet Adherence Screener (MEDAS), with the scoring of low compliance (0-6 points) and high compliance (7-14 points). The Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) was used to assess cognitive function. An MMSE score dropping ≥ 2 points from baseline was defined as cognitive decline. The relationships between MeDi score and cognitive decline were analyzed by linear regression models or Binary logistic regression. RESULTS: During the 3-year follow-up, 23.8% of patients exhibited cognitive decline. The study revealed a significant difference in MMSE score changes between low and high MeDi adherence groups (p < 0.001). MeDi score was negatively correlated with cognitive deterioration (ß = -0.020, p = 0.026). MeDi score was only negatively associated with cognitive decline in the female subgroup aged ≥65 years (ß = -0.034, p = 0.033). The food beans (OR = 0.65, 95%CI:0.51, 0.84), fish (OR = 0.72, 95%CI:0.54, 0.97), and cooked vegetables (OR = 0.68, 95%CI:0.53, 0.84) were protective factors for cognitive decline. CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests that greater adherence to the MeDi is linked to a reduced risk of cognitive decline in elderly people. However, this is found only in women who are 65 years old or older. It also found long-term adherence to beans, fish, and vegetables are more effective in improving cognitive function.

Impression life with pulmonary hypertension: clinically relevant characteristics and quality of life among patients in Gansu, China.

BACKGROUND: The adverse effects of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) on physical, emotional, and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) remain primarily unrecognized, especially in resource-limited settings. OBJECTIVES: This study aims to characterize the HRQoL of patients with PAH in this area and also identify the potential role of clinically relevant characteristics, including the 6-min walk distance test (6MWD), WHO-Functional Classification (WHO-FC), and mental health in the occurrence of lowering quality of life. DESIGN: This was a cross-sectional observational study. METHODS: Inpatients with PAH were chosen from a tertiary hospital located in Gansu province, China. All participants were interviewed face-by-face by using questionnaires, including items from the 36-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36), the self-rating anxiety scale, and the self-rating depression scale. Data on demographic and clinically relevant characteristics, including WHO-FC and 6MWD, were also collected by tracing medical recorders. Multiple linear regression analysis was used to determine the association between demographic, clinically relevant characteristics data, and physical component summary (PCS) or mental component summary (MCS) in SF-36. RESULTS: Of the 152 participants, SF-36 differed significantly from Chinese norms in all eight domains, with role-physical (21.55 ± 9.87) less than one-third of the norm (88.79 ± 28.49). Multiple linear regression results showed that the factors with the greatest impact on PCS were anxiety scores (ß = -0.22, p = 0.001), followed by WHO-FC (ß = -0.16, p = 0.014) and 6MWD (ß = 0.15, p = 0.036). The factors with the greatest impact on MCS were WHO-FC (ß = -0.30, p < 0.001), followed by anxiety (ß = -0.23, p = 0.001) and depression scores (ß = -0.16, p = 0.013). CONCLUSION: HRQoL was substantially reduced among PAH patients in the resource-limited area, mainly the physiological functions. WHO-FC and anxiety scores were independently associated with both PCS and MCS in SF-36. Clinicians should make reasonable rehabilitation programs and plans for patients according to their cardiac function grade and the severity of clinical symptoms. In addition, psychological interventions should also be taken, especially for those with anxiety symptoms, so as to improve their HRQoL.

'Fear, uncertain, tired ...' psychological distress among pulmonary hypertension patients: a qualitative interview study.

BACKGROUND: Patient-centered health care for patients with pulmonary hypertension (PH) is important and requires an understanding of patient experiences. However, there is a lack of approaches to examine what's the effects and how the disease impact patients' psychological well-beings. METHODS: We conducted qualitative interviews with PH patient representatives to understand patient psychological experiences and inform patient-centered research and care. Participants were chosen from a tertiary hospital located in northwest China. 20 patients with PH who be treated at the hospital (13 participants were women, aged 18-74 years) were strategically selected and individually interviewed. We used qualitative analysis to identify themes relating to existential psychological distress that would clarify the nature of such concerns. RESULTS: We found that patients experience tremendous psychological distress throughout the treatment process. Four categories that describe patients' psychological experiences emerged: burden of PH treatment, fear and uncertainty about the disease, frustration in social and family role, and lack of recognition of the condition. CONCLUSIONS: Existential concerns are salient in PH and involve the experience of loss and disruptions to the sense of self and relationships. Healthcare practitioners must work more in collaboration to detect patients' need for support and to develop the patient's own skills to manage daily life. The PH teams should tailor interventions to provide emotional, informational and instrumental support and guidance to patients.

Analysis of preoperative sleep quality and related influencing factors in cancer patients.

PURPOSE: The sleep disturbance in cancer patients is more prevalent, and it significantly affects these patients' recovery after the operation. However, the clinical characteristics regarding sleep quality are scarce. This study aimed to evaluate the quality of preoperative sleep quality and its risk factors in different cancer patients requiring elective surgery. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Cancer patients who were scheduled for elective surgery were selected. The demographic data, basic preoperative diseases, and factors related to the preoperative hospital environment were also recorded. Self-made questionnaires (such as gender, age, and personal history), and the Anxiety Self-Assessment Scale were used to assess the patient's underlying condition. The modified Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) was used to evaluate the preoperative sleep status. RESULTS: A total of 297 patients completed the investigation. The incidence of preoperative sleep disturbance in cancer patients was 47.8%. Multiple logistic regression showed that patients with PSQI ≥ 7 were associated with females (odds ratios [95% confidence intervals]): 1.815 [1.031-3.193], p = 0.039), and the ward space was confined (3.127 [1.016-9.625], p = 0.047), which increased the possibility of sleep disturbance in cancer patients. Meanwhile, increased anxiety levels (1.323 [1.261-1.439], p < 0.001) significantly increased the likelihood of sleep disorders in cancer patients. CONCLUSION: 47.8% of sleep disturbance in cancer patients before surgery. Female patients, preoperative anxiety, and confined ward environment were independent risk factors of subjective sleep disturbance.

Flexural Behavior of Polyurethane Concrete Reinforced by Carbon Fiber Grid.

In view of the problems of traditional repair materials for anchorage concrete of expansion joints, such as ease of damage and long maintenance cycles, the design of polyurethane concrete was optimized in this article, which could be used for rapid repair of concrete in anchorage zone of expansion joints. A new type of carbon fiber grid-polyurethane concrete system was designed, which makes the carbon fiber grid have an excellent synergistic effect with the quick-hardening and high-strength polyurethane concrete, and improved the flexural bearing capacity of the polyurethane concrete. Through the four-point bending test, the influence of the parameters such as the number of grid layers, grid width, and grid density on the flexural bearing capacity of polyurethane concrete beams was tested. The optimum preparation process parameters of carbon fiber grid were obtained to improve the flexural performance of polyurethane concrete. Compared with the Normal specimen, C-80-1's average flexural strength increased by 47.7%, the failure strain along the beam height increased by 431.1%, and the failure strain at the bottom of the beam increased by 68.9%. The best width of the carbon fiber grid was 80 mm, and the best number of reinforcement layers was one layer. The test results show that the carbon fiber grid could improve the flexural bearing capacity of polyurethane concrete. The carbon fiber grid-polyurethane concrete system provides a new idea for rapid repair of the anchorage zone of bridge expansion joints, and solves the problems such as ease of damage and long maintenance cycles of traditional repair materials, which can be widely used in the future.

Application of Artificial Intelligence to Evaluate the Fresh Properties of Self-Consolidating Concrete.

This paper numerically investigates the required superplasticizer (SP) demand for self-consolidating concrete (SCC) as a valuable information source to obtain a durable SCC. In this regard, an adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference system (ANFIS) is integrated with three metaheuristic algorithms to evaluate a dataset from non-destructive tests. Hence, five different non-destructive testing methods, including J-ring test, V-funnel test, U-box test, 3 min slump value and 50 min slump (T50) value were performed. Then, three metaheuristic algorithms, namely particle swarm optimization (PSO), ant colony optimization (ACO) and differential evolution optimization (DEO), were considered to predict the SP demand of SCC mixtures. To compare the optimization algorithms, ANFIS parameters were kept constant (clusters = 10, train samples = 70% and test samples = 30%). The metaheuristic parameters were adjusted, and each algorithm was tuned to attain the best performance. In general, it was found that the ANFIS method is a good base to be combined with other optimization algorithms. The results indicated that hybrid algorithms (ANFIS-PSO, ANFIS-DEO and ANFIS-ACO) can be used as reliable prediction methods and considered as an alternative for experimental techniques. In order to perform a reliable analogy of the developed algorithms, three evaluation criteria were employed, including root mean square error (RMSE), Pearson correlation coefficient (r) and determination regression coefficient (R2). As a result, the ANFIS-PSO algorithm represented the most accurate prediction of SP demand with RMSE = 0.0633, r = 0.9387 and R2 = 0.9871 in the testing phase.

Quantitative proteomic analysis of MDCK cell adhesion.

MDCK cells are a key reagent in modern vaccine production. As MDCK cells are normally adherent, creation of suspension cells for vaccine production using genetic engineering approaches is highly desirable. However, little is known regarding the mechanisms and effectors underlying MDCK cell adhesion. In this study, we performed a comparative analysis of whole protein levels between MDCK adhesion and suspension cells using an iTRAQ-based (isobaric tags for relative and absolute quantitation) proteomics approach. We found that expression of several proteins involved in cell adhesion exhibit reduced expression in suspension cells, including at the mRNA level. Proteins whose expression was reduced in suspension cells include cadherin 1 (CDH1), catenin beta-1 (CTNNB1), and catenin alpha-1 (CTNNA1), which are involved in intercellular adhesion; junction plakoglobin (JUP), desmoplakin (DSP), and desmoglein 3 (DSG3), which are desmosome components; and transglutaminase 2 (TGM2) and alpha-actinin-1 (ACTN1), which regulate the adhesion between cells and the extracellular matrix. A functional verification experiment showed that inhibition of E-cadherin significantly reduced intercellular adhesion of MDCK cells. E-Cadherin did not significantly affect the proliferation of MDCK cells and the replication of influenza virus. These findings reveal possible mechanisms underlying adhesion of MDCK cells and will guide the creation of MDCK suspension cells by genetic engineering.

The Evolution of Flexible Electronics: From Nature, Beyond Nature, and To Nature.

The flourishing development of multifunctional flexible electronics cannot leave the beneficial role of nature, which provides continuous inspiration in their material, structural, and functional designs. During the evolution of flexible electronics, some originated from nature, some were even beyond nature, and others were implantable or biodegradable eventually to nature. Therefore, the relationship between flexible electronics and nature is undoubtedly vital since harmony between nature and technology evolution would promote the sustainable development. Herein, materials selection and functionality design for flexible electronics that are mostly inspired from nature are first introduced with certain functionality even beyond nature. Then, frontier advances on flexible electronics including the main individual components (i.e., energy (the power source) and the sensor (the electric load)) are presented from nature, beyond nature, and to nature with the aim of enlightening the harmonious relationship between the modern electronics technology and nature. Finally, critical issues in next-generation flexible electronics are discussed to provide possible solutions and new insights in prospective exploration directions.

An intrinsically stretchable and compressible Zn-air battery.

An intrinsically highly stretchable and compressible Zn-air rechargeable battery with good electrochemical performance was fabricated for the first time. It exhibits the merits of 300% intrinsic stretchability and 85% intrinsic compressibility with excellently retained electrochemical performance, a decrease in catalyst cost of 40 times, the fewest number of components and facile fabrication.

Antibody-free isolation and regulation of adherent cancer cells via hybrid branched microtube-sandwiched hydrodynamic system.

The detection of circulating tumor cells (CTCs) has achieved promising progress for early diagnosis and disease analysis. Microfluidic chip techniques have recently promoted the technologies of CTC sorting and analysis, yet seldom can the microfluidic chips for CTC enrichment via antibody-free capture provide in situ regulation of both extracellular and intracellular activity, which would be advantageous for cell-based pharmaceutical therapeutics and screening. Herein, we have demonstrated a hybrid TiO2/ZnO branched microtube array (HBMTA)-sandwiched hydrodynamic device that integrates the multiple functions of selective enrichment of adherent tumor cells in an antibody-free manner and in situ delivery to the extracellular and intracellular spaces of the enriched tumor cells. More than 90% cancer cells were enriched on the device due to their preferential adhesion with the nano-branches of HBMTA, while more than 91% blood cells were eliminated from the device by constant hydrodynamic fluid shearing. For in situ regulation, temporally and spatially controlled extracellular delivery to the enriched tumor cells could be precisely achieved through the hollow structures of the HBMTA. In addition, reagents (e.g. propidium iodide) could be delivered into the intracellular spaces of enriched tumor cells by coupling an electric field to nondestructively perforate the cell membrane. Our study not only offers a promising and facile strategy for antibody-free isolation of tumor cells, but also provides unique opportunities to facilitate cancer research, including antitumor drug screening and personalized therapeutics.

MiR-223-3p regulates cell viability, migration, invasion, and apoptosis of non-small cell lung cancer cells by targeting RHOB.

Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is the most common type of lung cancer with a high fatality rate in men and women worldwide. Recently, microRNAs (miRNAs) have been reported to be diagnostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets in NSCLC. MiR-223-3p was proved to act as a promoter in NSCLC progression. However, the regulatory mechanism of miR-223-3p in NSCLC remains little known. This study aimed to explore the regulatory mechanism between miR-223-3p and its target gene Ras homolog family member B (RHOB) in NSCLC. The mRNA level of miR-223-3p and RHOB was measured by quantitative reverse transcription PCR. Furthermore, cell viability was determined by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay. Flow cytometry was conducted to analyze cell apoptosis. Transwell assays and wound healing assay were employed to examine migration and invasion. The target relationship between miR-223-3p and RHOB was predicted by starBase online database and verified by dual-luciferase assay. The protein level of RHOB was tested by western blot. Our data suggested that miR-223-3p was upregulated in NSCLC tissues and cell lines and high level of miR-223-3p contributed to a poor survival in NSCLC patients. Knockdown of miR-223-3p exerted inhibitory effects on NSCLC cell viability, migration, and invasion and promotion effect on cell apoptosis. Furthermore, RHOB was directly targeted by miR-223-3p and constrained NSCLC progression. Moreover, knockdown of RHOB rescued the effect of anti-miR-223-3p on NSCLC progression. In vivo experiments indicated that miR-223-3p deletion suppressed tumor growth. MiR-223-3p could regulate the NSCLC cellular processes through targeting RHOB.

Basal interferon signaling and therapeutic use of interferons in controlling peste des petits ruminants virus infection.

Peste des petits ruminants virus (PPRV) is a morbillivirus which causes severe disease in ruminants. Since interferons (IFNs) serve as the important defense line against viral infection, we have investigated the roles of types I and III IFNs in PPRV infection in vitro. Upon PPRV infection, IFN-λ3 was strongly induced, while IFN-ß and IFN-λ2 were moderately induced at transcriptional level in human embryonic kidney 293 T (HEK293T) cells. Although the transcription of type I and III IFNs were triggered, the production of functional IFN products was not detected. Importantly, the replication of PPRV was strongly inhibited in HEK293T cells treated by the exogenous IFNs (IFN-α-2b, IFN-ß and IFN-λ3). Consistently, these IFNs significantly activate a panel of IFN-stimulated genes (ISGs). The inhibition of JAK-STAT pathway by JAK I inhibitor can abrogate the anti-PPRV activity of IFNs. Thus, our study shall contribute to better understanding of the complex PPRV-host interactions and provide rationale for therapeutic development of IFN-based treatment against PPRV infection.

Comparison of the host cells apoptosis induced by precocious strains and virulent strains of Eimeria tenella.

The present study aims to investigate the similarities and differences between the host cells apoptosis induced by virulent line of Eimeria tenella (Tsx) and precocious line (PTsx), which can provide a theoretical basis for the study of drugs and vaccines against coccidiosis. HE staining, Hoechst 33342/AnnexinV-FITC/PI composite staining, and ELISA were used to detect the infection rate, apoptosis rate, and Caspase-3 enzyme activity of host cells infected by PTsx or Tsx, respectively. The apoptotic rates and Caspase-3 absorbance of the inoculation groups were lower (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01) than those of the control group at 4 h, whereas the apoptotic rates and Caspase-3 absorbance of the inoculation groups were higher (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01) than those of the control groups at 24 to 120 h. At the same inoculation dose, there was no significant difference in the infection rate, apoptosis rate or Caspase-3 absorbance between Tsx groups and PTsx groups after E. tenella inoculation for 4 to 72 h (P > 0.05). However, these indicators of PTsx groups were lower (P < 0.01) than those of the same dose inoculated Tsx groups at 120 h. The apoptosis rates of cecal and glandular epithelial cells in the inoculated groups were higher (P < 0.01) than those in the control group after inoculated E. tenella 5 D in vivo, and the apoptosis rates of cecal and glandular epithelial cells in PTsx group was lower (P < 0.01) than that in the same dose inoculated Tsx group. These observations indicate that both Tsx and PTsx inhibit host cell apoptosis in the early development of E. tenella, induce host cell apoptosis in the middle and late stages, and the apoptosis-inducing effect on host cells increases with increasing dose. However, when the same dose of oocysts was inoculated, the amount of apoptosis induced by PTsx in late development was less than Tsx.

Concentrated Hydrogel Electrolyte-Enabled Aqueous Rechargeable NiCo//Zn Battery Working from -20 to 50 °C.

Zn-based aqueous rechargeable batteries are promising in portable electronics because of their high voltage, low cost, etc. However, most conventional aqueous electrolytes are liable to freeze at low temperature and are incompatible with high ion concentrations, which hinders their application. Herein, we developed a sodium polyacrylate hydrogel (PANa) to superabsorb highly concentrated ions. Unprecedentedly, the hydrogel electrolyte can be stretched over ten times at -50 °C without any freezing. Therefore, the fabricated rechargeable NiCo//Zn battery worked well in a wide-temperature-range (-20 to 50 °C). This work creates many opportunities for the development and practical application of aqueous batteries.

Synthesis of α-Fe2O3 and Fe-Mn Oxide Foams with Highly Tunable Magnetic Properties by the Replication Method from Polyurethane Templates.

Open cell foams consisting of Fe and Fe-Mn oxides are prepared from metallic Fe and Mn powder precursors by the replication method using porous polyurethane (PU) templates. First, reticulated PU templates are coated by slurry impregnation. The templates are then thermally removed at 260 °C and the debinded powders are sintered at 1000 °C under N2 atmosphere. The morphology, structure, and magnetic properties are studied by scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction and vibrating sample magnetometry, respectively. The obtained Fe and Fe-Mn oxide foams possess both high surface area and homogeneous open-cell structure. Hematite (α-Fe2O3) foams are obtained from the metallic iron slurry independently of the N2 flow. In contrast, the microstructure of the FeMn-based oxide foams can be tailored by adjusting the N2 flow. While the main phases for a N2 flow rate of 180 L/h are α-Fe2O3 and FeMnO3, the predominant phase for high N2 flow rates (e.g., 650 L/h) is Fe2MnO4. Accordingly, a linear magnetization versus field behavior is observed for the hematite foams, while clear hysteresis loops are obtained for the Fe2MnO4 foams. Actually, the saturation magnetization of the foams containing Mn increases from 5 emu/g to 52 emu/g when the N2 flow rate (i.e., the amount of Fe2MnO4) is increased. The obtained foams are appealing for a wide range of applications, such as electromagnetic absorbers, catalysts supports, thermal and acoustic insulation systems or wirelessly magnetically-guided porous objects in fluids.

Preparation of a novel chloromethylated polystyrene-2-mercapto-1,3,4-thiadiazole chelating resin and its adsorption properties and mechanism for separation and recovery of Hg(II) from aqueous solutions.

With an efficient methodology, a novel chloromethylated polystyrene-g-2-mercapto-1,3,4-thiadiazole chelating resin (MTR resin) was prepared via a one-step reaction. The structure of MTR resin was characterized by elements analysis, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, and scanning electron microscopy. Meanwhile, the adsorption properties of the resin for Hg(II) were investigated by batch and column experiments. The results showed that the resin possessed much better adsorption capability for Hg(II) than for other metal ions. The statically and the dynamic saturated adsorption capacities were 343.8 mg/g and 475.1 mg/g. The adsorption kinetic and equilibrium data were well fitted to the second-order model and the Langmuir isotherm model, respectively. Desorption of mercury from the resin can be achieved using 30 mL of 2 mol/L HCl-5% thiourea solution with a desorption ratio of 92.3%. Compared with other absorbents, MTR resin was greatly conserve natural resources and reduce the cost.

Nanoporous Fe-Based Alloy Prepared by Selective Dissolution: An Effective Fenton Catalyst for Water Remediation.

A fully nanoporous Fe-rich alloy, prepared by selective dissolution of melt-spun Fe43.5Cu56.5 ribbons, exhibits outstanding properties as a heterogeneous Fenton catalyst toward the degradation of methyl orange (MO) in aqueous solution. In addition, the ferromagnetic characteristics of this material enable its wireless manipulation toward specific locations within polluted wastewater. The influence of selective dissolution on the microstructure, sample morphology (surface and cross-section), elemental composition, and magnetic properties of the resulting nanoporous alloy is investigated. The dealloying procedure enhances the saturation magnetization and drastically increases the catalytic performance (i.e., the time required for full degradation of MO from the medium is reduced by a factor of approximately 2 by subjecting the Fe43.5Cu56.5 ribbons to prior dealloying). Remarkably, the effectiveness of this nanoporous material surpasses the results obtained by the homogeneous Fenton reaction using an equivalent concentration of Fe cations leached into the media from the nanoporous alloy. The different factors that promote the high catalytic activity are discussed. The outstanding catalytic activity, together with the simplicity of the synthetic procedure, makes this material very appealing for water remediation using advanced Fenton processes.

Nucleotide composition bias and codon usage trends of gene populations in Mycoplasma capricolum subsp. capricolum and M. Agalactiae.

Because of the low GC content of the gene population, amino acids of the two mycoplasmas tend to be encoded by synonymous codons with an A or T end. Compared with the codon usage of ovine, Mycoplasma capricolum and M. agalactiae tend to select optimal codons, which are rare codons in ovine. Due to codon usage pattern caused by genes with key biological functions, the overall codon usage trends represent a certain evolutionary direction in the life cycle of the two mycoplasmas. The overall codon usage trends of a gene population of M. capricolum subsp. capricolum can be obviously separated from other mycoplasmas, and the overall codon usage trends of M. agalactiae are highly similar to those of M. bovis. These results partly indicate the independent evolution of the two mycoplasmas without the limits of the host cell's environment. The GC and AT skews estimate nucleotide composition bias at different positions of nucleotide triplets and the protein consideration caused by the nucleotide composition bias at codon positions 1 and 2 largely take part in synonymous codon usage patterns of the two mycoplasmas. The correlation between the codon adaptation index and codon usage variation indicates that the effect of codon usage on gene expression in M. capricolum subsp. capricolum is opposite to that of M. agalactiae, further suggesting independence of the evolutionary process influencing the overall codon usage trends of gene populations of mycoplasmas.

Isolation, molecular and phylogenetic analysis of encephalomyocarditis virus strain GS01 in China.

Encephalomyocarditis virus (EMCV) is a small non-enveloped, single-stranded RNA virus. It can infect many host species and cause acute myocarditis and respiratory failure in piglets, reproductive failure in pregnant sows. Diseases caused by EMCV currently affect the swine industry worldwide. In this study, an EMCV strain was isolated from an aborted fetus in western China. It was identified by reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and genome sequencing. The subsequent results showed that the virus could produce a specific cytopathic effect on BHK-21 cells and could cause severe clinical symptoms and pathological changes in mice. Complete genome sequencing and multiple sequence alignment indicated that the GS01 strain was 79.9-99.9% identical with other isolates worldwide. Phylogenetic analysis showed that EMCV isolates fell into five clusters: lineage 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 based on the nucleotide sequences of the entire ORF and VP3/VP1 junction, as well as 3D gene. GS01 isolate was grouped into lineage 1. The results of this study confirmed that an EMCV strain GS01 isolated from an aborted pig fetus in western China was fatal to mice and provided new epidemiologic data on EMCV in China.